Texas Birds

Mockingbird
The state bird of Texas. I remember waking to a mockingbird repeating Reveille at Boy Scount camp as a boy. The mockingbird is a fierce protector of its nest and environment. They are often seen swooping down on a dog, cat, or even a human that may be venturing too close to the bird’s protected territory. One of our cats has become public enemy number one to a mockingbird in our yard. It ignores the other cat and the dogs, but this particular cat never ventures out without looking over her shoulder.

Roadrunner
These fast, long legged birds prefer running to flying and are often seen running along Texas country roads. Their top speed is 15 MPH. They build their nests in low trees or cactus, and the male incubates the eggs. Their diet consists of insects, lizards, small snakes, rodents, spiders, and scorpions. It’s no wonder that Texans love their Roadrunners.

Hummingbird
Everyone loves hummingbirds. It is hard to believe they migrate from Mexico across the gulf. Thousands of Texans watch these feisty little creatures every spring, summer, fall, and sometimes even winter. We never get tired of watching them fight over who gets to eat first.

Whooping Crane
The Whooping Crane is Texas’ tallest bird at five feet tall. Its wingspan is seven and one half feet. This majestic bird was rescued from extinction and was the first in my awareness of endangered species.